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December 19, 2012 Regular Meeting of the WC CUSD #235 Board of Education

On Wednesday, December 19, 2012 the West Central CUSD #235 Board of Education conducted their regular meeting. As a result of this meeting the following items took place.

The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. by board President Brent. All board members except Brad Arnold, Dr. Robbins and Mrs. John were present at roll call. Mrs. John entered the meeting at 6:06 p.m.

Prior to the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, President Brent requested a moment of silence in remembrance of those killed in the Sunny Hook Elementary School in Newton, Connecticut. President Brent then led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

Under good news items, board President Brent recognized West Central Elementary teacher Charlotte Ackermann for successfully completing the process to become a National Board Certified Teacher. Board President Brent presented Mrs. Ackermann with a frame in which she can place her Board Certified Certificate when she receives it. Mrs. Ackermann thanked the Board, Administrative Team and her colleagues for their support during this process.

Board President Brent and the board then recognized three West Central High School students for becoming Illinois State Scholars. President Brent informed the audience that the criteria to be selected as an Illinois State Scholar is based on SAT, ACT and/or Prairie State Achievement Exam scores, and/or class rank at the end of the junior year. The students recognized were Alexis Ensminger, Alec Hill and Evan Bell.

President Brent recognized the coaches and members of the 2012 WCHS Football Team for being the first WCHS football team to make the state football playoffs. Certificates of accomplishment were given to each coach and member of the team.

The WCMS 8th grade girls basketball team and coaches were recognized for their participation in the recently completed 8AAA IESA State Girls Basketball Tournament. The 8th grade girls team lost their Elite Eight Game 49-43 against Wenona Fieldcrest. Certificates of accomplishment were given to the two coaches and the members of the team.

Other items highlighted as good news items were as follows:

The board approved the agenda with the following changes:

There was no one present who wished to address the board on any agenda items.

The board then approved the consent agenda as presented. Items approved under the consent agenda included:

Under financial activity, the board approved the payment of all bills as presented. The board approved the November activity accounts. The board was informed that the Treasurers Report for November will be presented to them for approval at the January, 2013, board meeting. The board heard that as of the end of November actual expenditures and revenue to budget should be 41.67%. It was noted that actual expenditures were 40.06% of budget and actual revenue received was 55.53% of budget as of the end of November 2012.

The board approved a recommendation from the Board District Finance Committee regarding general guidelines to follow in an attempt to deal with the FY13 district budget. Those guidelines are:

These guidelines will be used as preparations are made for the FY 14 district budget. The Board was informed that details of the expenditure reduction portion of the plan will be shared with them in January, 2013.

The board approved a recommendation to name Ralph Grimm as the interim WCES Principal. .

The board heard a report from Superintendent Grimm outlining several significant changes to the district Employee health benefit. The changes being proposed will allow the district to create a Health Reimbursement Arrangement within the current Western Area School Health Benefit Plan, the district s current employee health benefit plan provider. The new plan will allow for all employees to have the same deductible, pay lower monthly premiums and still utilize the current network of health care providers. The district will also pay lower premiums but will assume some additional risk for deductibles on behalf of the employees. After a discussion of the concept and the change being proposed, the Board approved the change in plans for the employee health insurance coverage and directed the superintendent to finalize plan requirements so that this plan can be implemented on or about January 1, 2013.

The board tabled action of the quote for repair of the WCHS Biology Lab Plumbing Fixtures. Additional quotes will be solicited for this work later in the spring.

The board heard reports from the building Principals Mrs. Lafary, Mr. Nichols, and Mr. Schneider. The board briefly reviewed a report submitted by Mr. Frakes and Mr. Buss as well.

The board heard an update on the district curriculum from Supt. Grimm.

The board briefly reviewed the reports submitted by Mrs. Frakes regarding district technology and Mrs. Farniok regarding special education.

The board heard a report from the Board District Finance Committee. The board was made approved by consensus the meeting date for the meeting with the leaders of local units of government for January 28, 2013, at 6 p.m. The board also approved by consensus the meeting date for all district stakeholders to discuss district finances for February 4, 2013, at 6 p.m. More information about these two meetings will be shared with the public at a later date.

The board was presented with the report on the study of moving the West Central Pre-K program to the north campus. Specifically, the board reviewed the seven recommendations that the superintendent is making regarding this proposed move. After discussing the recommendations, the board directed Superintendent Grimm to have the recommendations contained in the report on the January, 2013, Board meeting agenda as an action item.

The board briefly reviewed an update on the progress that Superintendent Grimm has made on his performance objectives. The board was informed that the next update will be at the March, 2013, Board meeting.

Board President Brent briefly discussed the process for board members to complete the Superintendent s evaluation.

Under Student Safety, the Board discussed the idea of changing classroom and other door locks so that they can be locked from inside the classroom. The board directed Superintendent Grimm to bring a recommendation for completing this work at the January, 2013, board meeting. A few other topics relative to student safety were discussed. As a result of this discussion, the Board referred this topic to the Board Building and Grounds Committee for further discussion.

The board entered closed session at 8:17 p.m. to discuss matters pertaining to personnel and student discipline. The board exited closed session at 9:07 p.m.

The board took the following action regarding personnel:

The board was reminded that the next regular board meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2013. This meeting will be held in the elementary cafeteria and will begin at 6 p.m.

There being no other business to come before the board, the board adjourned their meeting at 9:12 p.m.